Camping &Stargazing
Experience the cosmos like never before in one of Earth's darkest and clearest skies. Ladakh's high altitude, thin atmosphere, and minimal light pollution create perfect conditions for astronomical observation.
Altitude
3,000-4,500m
Clear Nights
250+/year
Light Pollution
Near Zero
Why Ladakh for Stargazing?
Ladakh offers some of the best stargazing conditions on the planet
Minimal Light Pollution
Remote locations with virtually zero artificial light interference
High Altitude
At 3,000-4,500m, you're above much of Earth's atmosphere
Clear Skies
Low humidity and 250+ clear nights annually
Dark Sky Reserve
Home to India's first designated Dark Sky Reserve at Hanle
Best Stargazing Locations
Each location offers a unique experience under the stars
ExceptionalAltitude: 4,500 m
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
India's first Dark Sky Reserve and home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. One of the world's best locations for astronomical observation.
ExcellentAltitude: 4,350 m
Pangong Lake
The crystal-clear waters of Pangong reflect the starlit sky, creating a magical double-vision of the cosmos.
ExcellentAltitude: 4,522 m
Tso Moriri
A pristine high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains, offering some of the clearest night skies in Ladakh.
Very GoodAltitude: 3,050 m
Nubra Valley
Camp in the sand dunes of Hunder and experience stargazing in a surreal desert-mountain landscape.
Celestial Events Calendar
Plan your visit around these spectacular astronomical events
Milky Way Season
March - October
The galactic core is visible, creating stunning photographic opportunities
Meteor Showers
Various
Perseids (Aug), Geminids (Dec), and other showers are spectacular at high altitude
Lunar Eclipse
Varies
Total lunar eclipses are particularly dramatic against the mountain backdrop
Planet Viewing
Year-round
Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus are exceptionally bright and clear
Camping Essentials
Photography Tips
Use a Sturdy Tripod
Essential for long exposures. Weight it down against wind.
Wide Aperture Lens
f/2.8 or wider captures more starlight. 14-24mm focal length is ideal.
Manual Focus
Focus on a bright star or use infinity focus. Check with test shots.
Long Exposures
15-30 seconds for sharp stars, longer for star trails.
High ISO
ISO 1600-6400 depending on your camera's noise performance.
Shoot RAW
Maximum flexibility for post-processing night sky images.
Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle
Located at 4,500m, the IAO houses the 2-meter Himalayan Chandra Telescope and is one of the world's highest optical telescopes. The surrounding area has been designated as India's first Dark Sky Reserve, making it an unparalleled destination for astronomical tourism.
Telescope
2m HCT
Altitude
4,500m
Clear Nights
260+/year
Ready to Explore the Cosmos?
Plan your stargazing adventure in one of Earth's most spectacular night sky destinations.